Horses, the mythical dragon-horse, and a cultural glimpse of Hue from heritage to daily life.

From royal artifacts to folk memories, the horse, a sacred animal symbol, is not only a decorative artifact but also a "key" to a deeper understanding of Hue's cultural structure.

The horse mascot by the Perfume River. Photo: Nguyen Luan

Auspiciousness, authority, and wisdom

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), the Hue Imperial Citadel Relics Conservation Center is organizing a thematic exhibition "Horses and Dragon Horses in the Court Culture of the Nguyen Dynasty" at the Privy Council relic site.

The image of the dragon-horse (horse transforming into a dragon) in the Hue Festival emblem. Photo: Tuong Minh

The exhibition is an opportunity to learn about the imagery of horses and dragon-horses, symbols of auspiciousness, power, and wisdom in the art, rituals, and court life of the Nguyen dynasty; and to experience the fresh spirit of spring.

The exhibition on horses and dragon-horses (horses transforming into dragons) in the Nguyen Dynasty's court culture is considered the opening event for a series of activities celebrating the Lunar New Year at the Hue heritage site. The exhibition space guides viewers through various layers of time: from Eastern thought and court rituals to the daily life of the ancient capital's inhabitants.

The exhibition goes beyond simply showcasing artifacts; it explores broader connections between symbols, power, beliefs, and cultural language.

In the cultural landscape of East Asia, the dragon-horse has always been considered a special mythical creature. It is a combination of many sacred symbols, often associated with wisdom, good fortune, and enlightenment.

In Hue, the dragon-horse appears frequently on screens, altars, wooden boxes, jewelry, and porcelain from the Nguyen dynasty, as a way of conveying aspirations for order, prosperity, and blessings for the nation.

The fact that the dragon-horse was chosen as the symbol of the Hue Festival since 2000 also demonstrates the contemporary vitality of this image in defining the identity of the heritage city.

If the dragon-horse represents the highest level of thought and symbolism, then the horse is closely linked to the specific functioning of the court. During the Nguyen dynasty, horses were not only a means of transportation or military service, but also directly participated in ceremonies, ceremonial events, and activities that showcased power.

The image of the horse is vividly depicted on the Nine Tripods - a national treasure - as well as on sword scabbards, mirror paintings, bronze objects, pottery, etc., showing the special place of this animal in court art.

From the royal court to the common people

From the realm of the royal court, the image of the horse has emerged into the folk life of Hue through its own unique path: language.

The idiom "as boisterous as a horse from Thuong Tu" - now rarely used by young people - was once a humorous yet sharp way for the elderly women of Hue to criticize girls who were considered lacking in virtue and modesty. Behind this seemingly playful expression lies a rich cultural and historical foundation.

The image of the dragon-horse decorates the roof of the palace in Hue. Photo: Tuong Minh.

"Thuong Tu Horses" are associated with the Thuong Tu Institute in the Hue Imperial City - where the Nguyen dynasty bred and trained horses of various classes to serve the court.

According to historical records, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng, the Imperial Horse Stable was organized in a highly systematic manner, clearly classifying imperial horses, road horses, ceremonial horses, and messenger horses, along with a strict system of regulations regarding their care and training.

It is from this environment that the biological characteristics of horses, especially during their estrus cycle, have been observed, associated with, and transformed by the people into linguistic imagery with social critique.

The idiom "as boisterous as the horses of Thuong Tu" is therefore not simply a humorous saying, but reflects how the people of Hue in the past perceived and evaluated social behavior through a symbolic lens. It shows the subtle yet strict moral standards in a society deeply influenced by Confucianism and court rituals.

These layers of cultural meaning are being "reawakened" today in a gentler way. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), the spring decorations near the Thượng Tứ Gate, in front of the Quốc Tử Giám (Imperial Academy) in Huế, recreated the image of the horse as a symbolic animal in a new context: simultaneously imbued with the spirit of the festival and evoking memories of heritage.

As locals and tourists stroll through this area, they not only admire the scenery but also unconsciously connect with the old stories that were once part of life in Hue.

From thematic exhibitions within historical sites to outdoor public decorative spaces, it's clear that Hue is approaching its heritage through storytelling – placing symbols within the current fabric of life.

Horses and steeds, therefore, are no longer static images on ancient artifacts, but have become a bridge between the past and the present, between the royal court and the common people, between tangible heritage and cultural memory.

The Spring of the Year of the Horse 2026 in Hue, viewed through the lens of the horse as its zodiac animal, is more than just the story of a single animal. It's a story about how a heritage city renews itself using its own layers of ancient cultural heritage – where every symbol has a life of its own, every idiom has a history, and each spring opens up a new understanding of Hue.

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/kham-pha/ngua-long-ma-va-mot-lat-cat-van-hoa-hue-tu-di-san-den-doi-song-1654500.html